Smoke alarm safety tips to help keep your family safe

When you change the clocks, you should change the batteries on your smoke alarms

Yorkregion.com
November 4, 2019
Amanda Persico

As you figure out how to change the clock on your microwave or stove now that daylight savings time has ended, don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe (from Central York Fire Services):

• Smoke alarms are to be located on every storey in the home as well as outside sleeping areas -- it’s the law;

• Batteries should be changed at least once a year;

• If an alarm is beeping, replace the battery immediately;

• Test the alarm once a month and practice your family's escape plan -- make it a routine;

• Clean the smoke alarms -- use the vacuum to clean out any dust;

• Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years with new alarms;

• What to look for when purchasing new alarms: test button, hush button to quickly silence nuisance alarms caused by cooking or steam and a safety light to illuminate the smoke alarm;

Remove the battery before tossing expired smoke alarms in the garage.